REFOCUS
Make the Great Commandment a source of prayer. Focus on God’s presence while you repeat several times its words, “I love you Lord; With all my heart. With all my mind. With all my being. With all my strength. I love you, Lord.”
(Mark 12:30 CEB)
READ
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
REFLECT
The Race
Imagine a footrace that begins in a small town. The runners start out headed for the center of the city some 25 miles away. As they begin, only a few family members and friends are there to see them off.
At first, their path is through the countryside. They run a winding road, trying to avoid the potholes and stones along the way. They pass a farmer in his field, houses with land and a small store as they run up and down the hills. Along the way workers, and housewives, storekeepers and children at play stop what they are doing to watch and wave to them.
As they get closer to their destination, the space between houses becomes smaller and the observers more numerous. Now, small groups who have heard they are coming stand by the road, waving to them. Some reach out to offer a high five to those passing by. They have reached the city limits.
Another few miles brings even more people. Now, the street is filled with onlookers, two and three deep, who strain to see them coming and cheer their arrival. From those in the crowd they hear the words of encouragement “Way to Go”, “Keep it up”, “You can make it!” Although every muscle in them is tight and sore, and though their body is weak with fatigue, the sound and sight of those cheering revives them and they press on.
Finally, they arrive at their destination, the stadium. It is a place where legends have been made. The greatest athletes in the world have come here to turn years of grueling preparation into victory. It is their turn now.
As they approach, they hear the roar of tens of thousands of people gathered to welcome them. As they pass through the tunnel and through the doorway to enter the stadium, the crowd is on its feet. They are too numerous to see individuals but among them are some of those same athletes. Many hold signs, some containing their name.
Also among them are various dignitaries from around the nation. And standing to great them is the Emperor himself. He steps forward and one by one he embraces them, puts a crown on their head, whispers “well done” and lifts their hand in his to celebrate their victory. Those witnessing that great moment cheer and chant their name while fireworks sound and birds are released to fill the sky.
Such is a similar scene to the one the writer of Hebrews had in mind when he wrote the beginning words of Hebrews 12 to tell us of a “cloud of witnesses.” As, the description above illustrates, those witnesses are not a group of passive bystanders who have no investment in the race. Instead, they are those who have finished the race themselves, and now, having passed the baton to us, urge us onward with cheers.
The word translated “witness” is “martys,” the word from which we we get our word “martyr.” These folks have “skin in the game.” They have given sweat and blood, time and talents, and some their very lives so that the message of God’s power and love would fill the earth.
The ancient creeds of the church call this the “communion is saints.” The idea is that as a Christian we are connected to believers across the globe and throughout history. It is a described at different times in the Bible as a great family, an army, and a nation – all pointing to the people through which God is revealed and glorified. In all, it reminds us that we are not alone.
Among them are those the writer of Hebrews has listed in the previous chapter – Abraham and Sarah, Moses and his mother, Joshua, Samson, David and Samuel. They now stand cheering, eager for our success. Along with them are the early followers of Jesus, yearning that we would know Him as they know Him.
The writers of the New Testament are there, excited as we read the words God gave them and grow in the faith. Missionaries, sent to the far corners of the earth now stand among the crowd to watch us, cheering each time we move the gospel forward.
But each of us have our own group of people who have sacrificed and lived lives of faith for our good. For me it was Ms. Yerkees and Ms. Helmut, two Sunday school teachers who put up with a squirming kid who talked too much and looked for ways to get attention. It was my youth worker, Fred who challenged me to give all to Jesus. My high-school teacher, Tommy, who befriended me and listened with mercy to my secrets. My Mom and Dad who made sure I heard about the wonders of Jesus.
In fact, there are so many more that I can’t name or even know them – a crowd that have prayed, taught, given and listened so that I might run the race well. Some have themselves finished and now stand cheering for me to complete the run.
At times, I feel alone. The truth is, I am never alone. I am, as this great passage reminds me, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. So are you.
Someday, I will burst into the stadium and meet the King face to face. Should I get there before you – I will be waiting for you, Then the race will be over and the celebration will begin.
RESPOND
Questions to Consider
- Who are some of the people in your personal “cloud of witnesses” – those who have “run the race” themselves and now cheer you on?
- What is the legacy that you would want to leave behind for those who come after you?
- How does the life you are living celebrate those who have gone before and encourage those who come after?
Prayer
Think through who you would put in the blanks below, then offer it as a prayer to God.
Almighty God, thank you for those who have faithfully run the race of faith before me. I especially give thanks for ______________ and the way s/he ______________.
I pray that you would use me to be a source of strength for others, especially to ______________.
Show me those things that I need to set aside so that I can finish the race as a source of pride to those who have gone before, and a source of inspiration to those who follow. In Jesus name, the one who runs beside me. Amen.
Blessings,
Rev. James R. Needham, PhD, MDiv